A case of esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis

Abstract

Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIP) is a rare benign disease that is characterized by multiple tiny flask-shaped outpouching lesions of the esophageal wall. The etiology is unknown, but the pathologic findings include dilatation of excretory ducts of submucosal glands. The predominant symptom is dysphagia, and esophageal stricture occurs frequently. Diseases such as diabetes mellitus, esophageal candidiasis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and chronic alcoholism are often combined. Since most EIP cases are benign, the mainstream treatment is symptom relief by endoscopic dilatation or medical treatment of accompanied diseases. This report describes the case of a 68-year-old male patient who suffered from chest tightness for 2 months and was diagnosed with EIP. This symptom disappeared after 2 months of medical treatment, and the patient is now being regularly followed up.